(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: October 21, 2024):  District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Bradford man charged with cruelty to animals has pled guilty.

Robert KNELL of Bradford was charged by Officer Shaun McDonald after he was dispatched to a case of animal cruelty on May 12, 2023.  Witnesses reported that they had just rescued a dog from KNELL.  The witnesses reported that they observed the dog at KNELL’s residence in a cage without food and water.  The Officer observed the dog’s fur to be stained by apparent urine and feces and the odor of feces was emanating from the dog.   The Officer also noted the dog’s ribs were showing through his skin as he was significantly underweight.  The dog was noted to have difficulty standing or moving

On October 3, 2024, just prior to jury selection in his case, KNELL pled guilty to Aggravated Cruelty to an Animal – Felony.  He will be sentenced in December. 

The SPCA responded and took the dog to their shelter where they arranged for his care.  The dog was adopted and is now flourishing.